The
party returned to the borough Krüger on the inhabited side of the
river, seeking to recuperate from wounds the Vorn Owls inflicted as well
as establish themselves as a proper gang. Lo Ren Zao was left in the
Rat King's care as he underwent a transformation... In Krüger Cecilly
gained patronage for her performances from one Count Marshhold, a
smiling but somewhat creepy noble who has recently moved back into
Strigastadt, apparently at the behest of his relative Greta the Pious
(leader of the Glass Street merchant consortium). Zamara worked hard at
gaining new converts to the following of Zig, and Tom focused on setting
up his mushroom children... He's rented a basement in the building
below the Roost and tucked them away there, with plenty of organic
material for sustenance, including a slain Vorn Owl and former comrade
Chuck Chuckleston, with the hope the fungal creatures will use the bones
as a framework to grow protectors. Only time will tell!

While
going about their business, the party ran into a gang wearing
puffed-and-slashed red coats, bolo knives, and pompadours, who called
themselves the Red Demon Knives of Terror!!!1!
They apparently laid claim to the area around Coalstreet, where the
Roost is, and were shaking down the nearby shrines for protection money.
Cecilly artfully backflipped in front of them and offered the services
of the "Stone Cats Entertainment Troupe" to their leader Udhidg, who was
well pleased at the prospect. Udhidg said she expected a performance in
two days at... looked around, and pointed at the Sarcophagus, declaring
that's where they'd set up their HQ. Cecilly bowed out, and the party
began their plans...

The Stone Cats?

Two days later, after the Red Demon
Knives of Terror attacked and took over the Sarcophagus bar and called
out the people hiding in the Roost to fight (Barbarus - "Nobody here but
us chickens!"), the plan was carried out. Leonora had procured a large
quantity of wine which was drugged by concoctions procured by Ludovica.
Belina, Roxanne, and Cecilly worked out a routine to put on while the
others served the drinks, with knives concealed. After most had drunk
and were starting to act woozy the performance reached its apex and the
party sprung into action. Belina attempted to stun the sober Udhidg with
her fungal eye but Udhidg shrugged off the effects. Then a bolt of
yellowish energy was cast and people started stabbing... Two of the
Knives were defenestrated and a surprisingly tough Roxanne managed to
avoid being crushed by Udhidg's meteor hammer. The inhibited Knives
finally surrendered after half died, but one lieutenant managed to
escape out into the night (to which the party said good! Let the tale be
told the Stone Cats have arrived to stake a claim). Those who
surrendered were told to join or die, but immediately passed out due to
the drugged wine, so time will tell whether they'll convert or desert.

Udhidg's Meteor Hammer

The
party's rendition of the Red Wedding took most of the evening, but the
Stone Cats did subsequently lay claim to the Sarcophagus and the rooftop
farm outside, and are eyeing additional strategic assets to gain
control over, such as the old Belltower where the Blind Vipers used to
reside. The party is still debating the uniform for the Stone Cats, in
order to fit in with the other Krüger gangs. :) I'm looking forward to
seeing how it'll play out next time!